R42.5m boost for industrial park

Komani Industrial Park has been allocated R42.5m under its industrial revitalisation programme.

Chris Hani Development Agency (CHDA) project manager Zolisa Xabadiya said the department of trade and Industry (DTI) had earmarked the funds to attend to security upgrades in Queendustria.

Xabadiya said the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) had been appointed as the implementing agent.

“The project was due to start in November 2018 but due to delays in DBSA supply chain management processes it could not take off. It is scheduled to start next month.”

She said the revitalisation of the park was meant to attract investors to the Chris Hani region.

“CHDA as the institution mandated to promote investment in the region is engaging with potential investors.

“These improvements are among the things used to promote the region.”

Xabadiya said the amount was in addition to the R22m allocation made in the 2016-17 financial year.

“The focus then was on improving security upgrades in a part of the Queendustria area.

“These included floodlights, the installation of surveillance cameras, fencing and minor electricity upgrades,” she said.